Finding clear, trustworthy answers to facelift surgery questions can feel overwhelming when so much of what you read online is vague or promotional. This guide is designed to give you honest, substantive answers covering what a facelift involves, who makes a good candidate, what recovery looks like, and what results you can realistically expect.
Dr. Michael Bohley is a double board-certified plastic surgeon serving Portland, Salem, Vancouver, and the surrounding Pacific Northwest region, and his practice is built on the belief that informed patients make the best decisions. Review these answers, then schedule a consultation to discuss your individual goals.
Contact Dr. Bohley’s Portland office to request your personal consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery Questions
What is a facelift, and what does the procedure involve?
A facelift, known medically as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of facial aging such as sagging skin, deep folds, and loss of definition along the jawline and neck. During the procedure, Dr. Bohley carefully repositions underlying facial tissues, removes excess skin, and closes incisions in locations that minimize visible scarring. The goal is a refreshed, more youthful appearance that still looks natural to you. If you would like a detailed overview of the surgical approach, visit the facelift procedure page for more information.
How does a facelift differ from non-surgical facial treatments?
Non-surgical treatments such as injectables, laser resurfacing, and skin tightening devices can improve skin texture and address mild laxity, and they are a strong option for patients at earlier stages of aging. A facelift, however, is the only approach that physically repositions deeper facial structures and removes excess skin, which may produce more substantial and longer-lasting improvements in patients with moderate to significant facial aging. Some patients benefit from a combination of both approaches. You can explore non-surgical procedures available at Dr. Bohley’s practice to understand how they might complement or precede a surgical plan.
What facial concerns may a facelift help address?
A facelift may help reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds, jowling along the jawline, loose or sagging skin in the lower face, and excess skin or banding in the neck. It does not address fine surface wrinkles, sun damage, or changes in the upper face such as drooping brows, though complementary procedures like a brow lift may be considered alongside a facelift when appropriate. Dr. Bohley evaluates each patient individually to determine which combination of procedures best aligns with their specific concerns and goals.
Am I a good candidate for facelift surgery?
Good candidates for facelift surgery are generally in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. Candidates typically have noticeable but not extreme facial aging, with enough skin elasticity to support the procedure. It is worth noting that even after a facelift, it is not possible to look 20 years younger, and Dr. Bohley is direct about this with every patient. A personal consultation is the only reliable way to assess candidacy, as factors like skin quality, anatomy, and health history all play a role in the evaluation.
Who may not be a good candidate for a facelift?
Patients who smoke, have uncontrolled medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or who have unrealistic expectations about surgical outcomes may not be ideal candidates at this time. Certain medications and supplements can also increase surgical risk and may need to be paused before proceeding. Dr. Bohley conducts a thorough preoperative evaluation to identify any factors that could affect safety or outcomes, and he will be candid if a different approach or a delay in timing may better serve a patient’s interests. Your safety and well-being are always the priority.
What should I expect at my facelift consultation with Dr. Bohley?
During your consultation, Dr. Bohley will take a detailed medical history, examine your facial anatomy, and listen carefully to the specific concerns and goals that brought you in. He develops highly individualized treatment plans and will discuss the surgical techniques most appropriate for your anatomy, likely outcomes, the recovery process, and all associated risks. You are encouraged to ask every question you have, because transparency is central to how the practice operates. Reading patient testimonials from others who have been through the consultation process may also give you a sense of what to expect from that appointment.
How long does facelift surgery take, and what type of anesthesia is used?
Facelift surgery typically takes between three and five hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether any complementary procedures are being performed at the same time. At Dr. Bohley’s accredited, state-certified ambulatory surgery facility, all general anesthetics are administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist, not a nurse anesthetist. This is a meaningful safety distinction that patients researching their options should understand. The use of a board-certified anesthesiologist reflects Dr. Bohley’s broader commitment to operating within a fully credentialed, safety-focused surgical environment. Individual procedure time will be discussed during your consultation.
What is recovery from facelift surgery like, and how much downtime should I expect?
Recovery varies by individual, and the timeline Dr. Bohley outlines for you will be based on your specific procedure. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the first one to two weeks, and many feel comfortable returning to light activity and social situations within two to three weeks. Strenuous physical activity is typically restricted for four to six weeks. Final results continue to refine over several months as swelling resolves fully. Dr. Bohley and his team provide detailed post-operative care instructions and remain accessible throughout your recovery to address any concerns. Individual results and recovery timelines may vary.
How long do facelift results typically last?
Facelift results are among the longest-lasting of any facial cosmetic procedure, and many patients enjoy their improved appearance for seven to ten years or more, though individual results may vary. The aging process continues after surgery, so the goal is not to stop aging but to reset the clock in a way that looks natural. Factors such as skin quality, sun exposure, lifestyle habits, and genetics all influence how results evolve over time. Some patients choose to maintain their results with periodic non-surgical treatments as they continue to age. Viewing the patient gallery may give you a realistic sense of the kind of outcomes Dr. Bohley achieves.
Do you serve patients from outside Portland, including Salem, Vancouver, and surrounding areas?
Yes, Dr. Bohley’s practice welcomes patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Salem, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, Hood River, The Dalles, and communities across the broader Portland region. Many patients travel specifically to work with a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has decades of experience and a strong record of natural-looking outcomes. The practice team works to make the consultation and surgical process as accessible as possible for patients coming from a distance, including providing thorough pre-operative and post-operative guidance to support you throughout your care.
What factors influence the cost of facelift surgery?
The total cost of facelift surgery depends on a number of variables, including the complexity of the procedure, whether additional procedures are performed at the same time, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and post-operative care. Because Dr. Bohley creates individualized treatment plans for each patient, pricing is discussed in the context of your specific surgical plan during a consultation rather than as a general figure. If you are exploring financial planning options, the practice offers information about financing options available in Portland to help make your care more accessible. Cost transparency is part of the practice’s commitment to helping you make a fully informed decision.
Is facelift surgery safe, and what are the most common concerns patients raise?
Facelift surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries risks, and Dr. Bohley discusses these openly with every patient as part of the informed consent process. Common concerns include scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, and the risks associated with general anesthesia. These risks are minimized by choosing a double board-certified plastic surgeon operating in an accredited facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist on site. Dr. Bohley’s dual certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery reflects a higher bar of training and accountability than is required of many cosmetic practitioners. You can learn more about his credentials and background on the About Dr. Bohley page.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Bohley for Facelift Surgery?
Dr. Bohley brings a level of credentialing and institutional training that sets him apart in the Portland region. His dual certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery reflects a commitment to surgical excellence that goes well beyond the minimum required of many practitioners in the cosmetic space. He completed his training at nationally recognized institutions including The Ohio State University and the Medical College of Ohio, and he maintains his certifications through 150 hours of continuing medical education every three years. As a 2026 Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bohley brings current, peer-recognized expertise to every consultation. His patients receive individualized care in a fully accredited surgical facility staffed by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in Portland
If you have more facelift surgery questions specific to your situation, the most valuable next step is a personal consultation with Dr. Bohley. He serves patients from Portland, Salem, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Call to speak with the team and take the first step toward a more confident, refreshed appearance. Individual results may vary.
Request your consultation online to schedule your appointment with Dr. Bohley’s team today.
Dr. Michael Bohley is a double board-certified plastic surgeon recognized as one of Portland’s leading experts in body, breast, and facial cosmetic procedures. With years of advanced training and a distinguished surgical career, he combines refined aesthetic judgment with meticulous technique to deliver consistently exceptional results. Renowned for his skill in tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, and mommy makeovers, Dr. Bohley develops highly individualized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique goals. He is also recognized as an Allergan Partner Privileges Gold Member for 2026, reflecting his high level of experience and commitment to providing advanced aesthetic treatments. His dedication to patient education, safety, and precision has earned him membership in numerous prestigious professional organizations and the trust of patients throughout the greater Portland area.
